We are also aware of a small number of
other cases of serious respiratory illness in the Middle East in the
past three months, one of whom was treated in the UK but has since died.

The above comments
from the UK Health Protection Agency increases concerns based on a
high case fatality rate (CFR) for the novel SARS-CoV confirmed
in two cases (60M and 49M). Although the above fatal case has
not been SARS-CoV
confirmed, the similarity with the current case (infected in the Middle
East and flown to the UK for treatment) raises concerns that the above
fatal case and the current critical case may be related.

The index case (60M) showed
symptoms three months ago and died in Saudi Arabia, but the critical
case is much more current (developed symptoms in Qatar on September 3
after travel to Saudi Arabia) and the disease onset dates for the “other
cases of serious respiratory illness in the Middle East” has not
been released. However, confirmation of SARS-CoV in the above
fatal case would produce a CFR of 67%, which would be a significant
concern.

More detail on the above fatal
case, as well as the additional cases under investigation, (including,
symptoms, disease onset dates, and locations) would be useful.